Etihad Airways has begun operating its iconic Airbus A380 on daily flights to Toronto, boosting capacity by 31% and marking a new chapter in the airline’s long-standing commitment to Canada ahead of its 20th anniversary. Etihad’s famous big bird was welcomed with a water-cannon salute at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The upgraded service introduces the unparalleled luxury of Etihad’s flagship A380 aircraft to Canadian skies for the first time. This includes the airline’s award-winning First Apartments and the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, The Residence, offering an exceptional flying experience for guests on the route between Zayed International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport. The increased capacity responds to strong demand for travel between the UAE and Canada, particularly across business, leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segments. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We are proud to introduce the A380 and offer guests flying between Abu Dhabi and Canada an extraordinary new travel experience with Etihad. Toronto has been a cornerstone of our North American network since 2005, when we became the first airline from the Gulf region to operate flights to Canada. The introduction of our flagship aircraft on this route reflects our deep commitment to the Canadian market.” Etihad’s A380 features 486 seats across four cabins, including: • The Residence: A private three-room suite with living room, bedroom and ensuite bathroom with shower • First Apartments: 9 fully enclosed suites with personal space, 80-inch lie-flat beds and separate ottoman seat • Business Studios: 70 lie-flat seats with aisle access, premium dining and exclusive access to The Lobby, a serviced lounge in the sky • Economy Smart Seats: 405 seats with …

The Emirates Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Youth Authority to establish a strategic framework that further develops the Group’s youth community, inspiring generations of aviation and travel professionals. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed emphasised the importance of empowering youth, recognising the need to forge partnerships with like-minded entities: “The young minds at the Emirates Group are invaluable to our organisation. They provide fresh perspectives that inspire positive change, fuelled by passion and contagious energy. This strategic partnership with the Federal Youth Authority reflects our Emiratisation team’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth, in line with the UAE’s National Youth Agenda 2031. We hope it will motivate our entire community to keep innovating, dream big, and further build on the successes of the Group. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. We will continue to invest in them, ensuring they are future-ready to drive our nation’s achievements across all fronts – including travel and aviation.” In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group and His Excellency Dr Sultan Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; the MoU was signed by Yousuf Bin Lahej Al Falasi, Vice President Emiratisation and Government Partnerships at the Emirates Group and Khalid Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority. His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, stated: “This partnership reflects the enduring vision of the UAE’s leadership, which recognises youth as the driving force behind the nation’s future growth and progress. Guided by this belief, our national youth strategies empower young people with the resources and opportunities to unlock their potential …

Dubai International (DXB) is entering a period of sustained peak operations, with more than 3.4 million guests expected to travel through the airport between 27 June and 9 July 2025. Daily volumes are forecast to average over 265,000 with the busiest day on 5 July for both departures and transfer traffic. Dubai Airports, alongside its stakeholders, has activated an integrated summer readiness plan to ensure guest journeys remain safe and efficient. While the wider regional situation has led to some delays and cancellations across the network, the oneDXB community has been working around the clock to support guests, provide welfare, and maintain service continuity. Supported by a real-time monitoring and predictive system to optimise manpower and resource utilisation. DXB continues to monitor the situation in close coordination with authorities and airline partners, prioritising the safety of all guests and employees on the ground and through to take-off. Guests departing in the coming days are encouraged to follow these key tips to ensure a smoother airport experience: • For those travelling with families, children over the age of 12 can use Smart Gates to speed up the passport control process. • Arrive no earlier than three hours before departure. • Utilise online check-in, self-service kiosks and bag drop at DXB Terminal 3. • DUBZ provides home check-in and baggage collection services, allowing guests to complete their airport formalities from the comfort of their home or hotel. • Stay informed on flight and gate updates with DXB Express Maps, the wayfinding platform that helps you navigate the airport with a quick QR code scan and search. • Enhanced support is available for People of Determination, including marked accessibility routes, discreet assistance for guests wearing …

7 Management announced its partnership with Park Hyatt Dubai as the two companies work towards the relaunch of one of Dubai’s most iconic concepts, Seven Sisters. Set to open in Q4 of 2025, the brand-new space will be nestled in the heart of Dubai Creek Resort – one of the city’s hidden gems, and rapidly growing lifestyle destinations. The relaunch of Seven Sisters brings back its original essence, with a refreshed and elevated feel, set against the backdrop of the reflective Dubai Creek and the city skyline. An incredible space offering the perfect blend of waterfront serenity with urban energy, Park Hyatt Dubai and Seven Sisters promise guests an energetic experience with vibrant music, a dynamic crowd, and unforgettable nights – all within a more refined, and design-forward setting. “Seven Sisters has always been close to our hearts, as it was the very first brand we launched in Dubai, marking the beginning of our expansion in the region. So, bringing it back in such a beautiful and evolving part of the city feels just right,” said Rabih Fakhreddine, Founder and Group CEO of 7 Management. “Dubai Creek Resort is fast becoming one of the city’s prime lifestyle hubs, and Park Hyatt is the perfect partner to help us take this concept to the next level.” More than just a new opening, this partnership marks a significant milestone as the two renowned brands join forces for the rebirth of Seven Sisters, promising to bring a bold and elevated experience that reflects both 7 Management’s and Park Hyatt Dubai continued commitment to innovation, and delivering world-class experiences to Dubai’s everchanging night life scene. “We are delighted to welcome Seven Sisters to Dubai Creek …

flynas announced connecting Trabzon in Turkey, and Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan to Medina with weekly direct flights, within 2025 summer destinations. In collaboration with Taibah Airports Company, starting 4 July, flynas will be operating two weekly flights to the Turkish city of Trabzon, a popular destination for Saudi travelers seeking stunning natural scenery and a temperate climate. A weekly direct flight to the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, will also be launched starting 6 July, reflecting flynas’ commitment to connecting Medina with multiple international destinations and offering diverse, direct travel options to key global tourist destinations. Currently, flynas operates 139 routes to over 70 domestic and international destinations across 30 countries, with more than 2,000 weekly flights. Since its launch in 2007, it has carried over 80 million passengers. The airline aims to reach 165 domestic and international destinations as part of its growth and expansion strategy aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)  announced that the Aseer Region Development Authority (ASDA) has officially joined the Association as its newest member. “We are delighted to welcome the Aseer Region Development Authority to the PATA family. Aseer is a powerful example of how destinations can embrace tourism not only as an economic driver but also as a catalyst for cultural celebration, environmental responsibility, and community empowerment,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its tourism offerings, Aseer’s distinctive identity — rooted in heritage, nature, and innovation — offers meaningful inspiration to our global network. We look forward to learning from and working with ASDA as we collectively shape a more responsible and resilient future for travel.” Known for its cool mountain climate, rich cultural heritage, and spectacular natural landscapes, Aseer is rapidly emerging as one of Saudi Arabia’s most distinctive tourism destinations. ASDA’s decision to join PATA highlights the region’s growing visibility on the global tourism map and reflects a shared commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable visitor economy aligned with PATA’s vision. Eng. Hashem Al Dabbagh, CEO, Aseer Region Development authority, said, “Joining PATA represents a significant milestone in our journey to establish Aseer as a world-class sustainable tourism destination – renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. We look forward to collaborating with PATA to elevate Aseer’s profile on the global tourism stage and to showcase the region’s exceptional visitor experiences.” Saudi Arabia is a key region for the Association, and PATA is already collaborating with the Saudi Tourism Authority to support the Kingdom’s tourism goals. ASDA’s addition marks another important step in PATA’s growing engagement across Saudi …

As Emirates is gearing up for a busy week of departures from T3, Dubai International. Emirates expect more than 30,000 customers will depart T3 DXB today, and this level of departures will be at a similar level until 30 June. Emirates has requested customers to plan for extra traffic on the roads approaching the airport, busier carparks, more people at the airport going through Immigration, and the time it may take to travel between Concourses and reach Boarding Gates at least an hour prior to the departure time. They have recommended to arrive 3 hours ahead of departure time and to pass through immigration at least one and half hours ahead. • In peak travel times, arrive to the Airport: 3 hours before departure • Ensure you pass through Immigration: 1.5 hours before departure • Ensure you reach your correct Boarding Gate: 1 hour before departure Download the Emirates App to check in online Download the Emirates app for flight details at your fingertips. Book and change flights, download a digital boarding pass for most destinations, get notifications about your flight, check what meals will be served, pre-order your hot meal in Business Class, book a chauffeur drive service and even pre-select and plan movies to watch via ice inflight entertainment. Customers can also check in on Emirates.com. Online check-in and app check-in are both open 48 hours ahead of flight departure time. Emirates customers can drop off luggage at the airport the night before travel at no charge. Passengers who are departing from Dubai can check-in early and drop off their bags 24 hours before departure, or 12 hours before departure if flying to the US. Then closer to …

Etihad Airways and Air Europa celebrated a historic milestone as Air Europa operates its inaugural wet-lease flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid, marking the Spanish carrier’s first-ever aircraft operation from the Middle East. Etihad now offers twice-daily services to Madrid, with the afternoon EY103 service operated by Air Europa’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring 32 Business class and 307 Economy seats. The wet-lease arrangement, alongside the expanded codeshare, strengthens the growing market between Abu Dhabi and Spain, and supports wider tourism and trade links between the two countries. The landmark Boeing 787-9 service represents a significant evolution of the partnership between the two airlines, building on their expanded codeshare agreement and frequent flyer programme cooperation. This collaboration highlights the value of strategic partnerships in improving global connectivity and offering more seamless travel options for passengers across four continents. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Today marks a new chapter in our partnership with Air Europa. This collaboration demonstrates how Etihad can work with strategic partners to enhance our Madrid route and offer even greater choice for travellers between the UAE and Spain. By partnering with Air Europa, we’re opening exciting possibilities for our passengers seeking to explore new destinations.” Juan José Hidalgo, Air Europa’s President, added: ““Partnering with Etihad Airways to launch our first Middle East service from Abu Dhabi is a major milestone for Air Europa. It allows us to better serve growing demand for travel between Spain and the UAE. Abu Dhabi is a world-class destination and an ideal platform for us to expand into new markets.” The partnership reinforces Etihad’s commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s position as an attractive destination for both leisure and business travel, …

Emirates’ passengers experienced minimal disruptions to their travel plans after last night’s (23 June) regional events, with regularly scheduled flights resuming within a few short hours. The airline quickly activated its robust contingency and disruption plans, with no diversions, only a small number of cancellations and a few flights experiencing longer flight paths due to airspace congestion. Despite rapidly evolving regional developments, it’s been business as usual across the Emirates network. In the past two weeks, Emirates has maintained scheduled services by rerouting flights to avoid conflict zones, successfully serving over 1.7 million passengers on more than 5,800 flights across its global network and delivering certainty to their travel plans when they needed it the most, while upholding its commitment to safe, reliable travel. The airline took immediate action by suspending flights only to areas directly impacted by conflict while maintaining operations to all other destinations. Services to Amman and Beirut were briefly suspended but resumed quickly, demonstrating Emirates’ ability to nimbly adapt its operations while prioritising safety, and helping thousands of families start their summer holidays. The safety of Emirates’ passengers and crew is its absolute priority, and the airline would never fly if it was not safe to do so. Emirates continuously monitors developments, coordinates with aviation authorities, and assesses every potential risk to ensure all flights are safely rerouted away from conflict zones, all the while meeting the most stringent regulatory requirements. Throughout the last two weeks, the airline kept customers informed with regular operational website updates as well as on its social media channels, and reservations teams helped reaccommodate affected customers. As Emirates gears up for the busy summer travel season, it will continue to actively …

Qatar Airways can confirm the reinstatement of flights following the reopening of airspace in the State of Qatar. Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly. We are working tirelessly with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to restore operations as quickly as possible. We have also deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers by minimising disruptions and offering the utmost care and support to all customers. As operations resume, we anticipate significant delays to our flight schedule. We would advise passengers to check qatarairways.com or the Qatar Airways mobile application ahead of travel. The safety of our passengers and crew is the first and highest priority at all times.